Vicky Collins Online

Our Ugandan driver picked us up from the airport in Entebbe on November 9.  We were barely down the road before he asked us who we voted for in the election.  He wanted to talk about Barack Obama.  He wanted to tell us about the parties all over Kampala on the night Obama was elected.  They were still going on days after the election to celebrate the achievement of this native son and brother.

As soon as people in Kampala learned we were Americans they wanted to engage in a discussion about our President-Elect.  In the slums a man we met pumped the air with his fist and called out “Obama.”  We asked him what his thoughts were about him.  “He is African.  He is my brother.”  In mom’s arms nearby was a baby named Obama, a very popular name for African children right now.  People wore Obama buttons, Obama t-shirts, Obama on their sleeves. 

A video called “The Biography of Barack Obama” was on the market and news headlines screamed of his victory and how he would end poverty in Uganda and make this African nation the number one priority of his administration.  There was even a newspaper column with 50 fun facts about Obama including the food he likes to eat, the television shows he enjoys and the fact that he failed to fulfill his promise to Michelle and give up smoking.  People were so giddy that one worried they would be disappointed by the crush of expectations on this man who many viewed as a savior.

Others were a little more thoughtful in their assessments.  Mr. Kayondo looked forward to a man who hopefully would dialogue and help end wars.  Damien, a Nigerian professor who now teaches at a university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said his triumph meant that Africans and African Americans for that matter could no longer make excuses and act as though they are limited by white society.  Joseph and a young woman we met at an African market just said “let’s wait and see.”

For all the excitement this Presidency has brought to America, there is an equal amount of enthusiasm in east African nations like Uganda and Kenya.  In those countries, they slog along with leaders who are corrupt and siphon off money for themselves instead of fixing roads and fighting poverty.  But for now attention has turned to Barack Obama.  He may be the next President of the United States but he is their President too.

For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com

I’m taking this attack in Mumbai personally and it makes me sick. I just returned from India on Monday after an amazing few days in Delhi. We went to attend the wedding of Pravheen and Akanksha. We made Indian friends and were treated like honored guests. As Westerners we were welcomed with open arms by a warm and gracious people. We were invited into their homes and they took care of us as though we were family. We toured the city and took in the sights and the chaos. In Old Delhi I asked a Muslim man if I could take his picture and he kindly obliged. He asked me if I was Muslim or Christian. I was unsure what to say. I told the truth. No. I am a Jew. It didn’t seem to matter and when he walked away I flashed him the peace sign.

Men in Old Delhi

And now this. This horrible wreckage caused by extremists. Random and ruthless. Lashing out at innocent people from all over the world. I hope in our collective outrage all the nations that were victimized stand together to fight back against these people who continue to drive stakes in the hearts of peace loving men and women. We are exhausted by fear. We are tired of seeing people dead in the streets from senseless violence and hatred. When are we going to put deeds behind our words of condemnation? Who cares if we condemn the violence? What good does it do if the people of the world don’t demand once and for all that it end and take action to insure it stops happening? I didn’t make it to Mumbai but my thoughts and prayers are with the people who were there and I’m taking the attack against them very personally.

For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com

My children and I were at an impasse. Our yellow lab, Rosie, died this summer, and after an appropriate period of mourning and reflection, we decided to get a new dog. Initially I wanted another Shetland Sheepdog. My first dog, Buddy, was a Sheltie and he set the bar for all dogs to come. The kids wanted a Bulldog. To them, Bulldogs are sexy and rap stars and Michael Phelps have Bulldogs. They were not going to get a girly dog like a Sheltie and I refused to get a dog that looked like a prizefighter so we headed for the Humane Society.

Sydney, our first shelter dog

Several years ago after our other Sheltie, Charlie, died we decided to rescue a dog. We had never done it before and felt it was the right thing to do. We came home with Sydney, an Australian cattle dog mix who is the most well adjusted dog we ever had. She is not neurotic. She is smart and easy going. She barks when there is a reason and seems to brim with gratitude that she was picked for our family. OK. She’s a bit timid of strangers and other dogs but that’s the Aussie cattle dog in her.

Ka$h, our new shelter dog

This time a chow/shepherd cross picked us. My son, Kyle, named her Ka$h and once again we have a delightful member of our family who is sweet and mellow. Slowly but surely she is learning you don’t pee on the rug, growl or love with sharp little teeth. She is not pushy and cocks her head with her floppy little ears. She has wriggled into our hearts and Sydney is warming up to her too. We have two bright, cheerful dogs and they are bringing great joy to our family. I believe that homes are happier with pound puppies in them.

I say all this because I really hope President-Elect Obama gets a shelter dog for his daughters. It would be a brilliant choice and an easy decision as he embarks on a job that will be full of tough ones. On Thursday, November 6, after Barack Obama told his daughters in front of the entire world that he would let them bring a puppy to the White House, USA Today ran a full page ad by Pedigree Dog Food. It featured a shaggy little mutt looking out with sad but hopeful eyes and it read:

Dear President-elect Obama,

We’d love to help you fulfill your first campaign promise. We are thrilled that you are celebrating your victory by adopting a dog into your family. We think you’ll find that shelter dogs are among the most loyal, loving and special dogs in the world. And no dog is more in need of a little hope. You can find a great dog and learn more about responsible adoption at www.DogsRule.com.

The ad was so touching it brought a tear to my eye. Wouldn’t it be something if a dog from the pound ended up as top dog in the U.S? Wouldn’t it be amazing if a little mutt became the new American idol? Hopefully a shelter dog is in Sasha and Malia’s future. I think the Obama daughters would find just the companion they are looking for. At his first press conference Barack Obama pointed to himself as being a bit of a mutt.  It’s a perfect choice.  I’m campaigning for a shelter dog on the White House lawn.

For more information about Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com

There was hardly a dry eye in America. When Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States last night tears flowed in abundance. They flowed for those who didn’t live to see the day and for those who never thought it would come. They flowed from relief and pride and possibility. Men and women, Black and White, young and old acknowledged how transformative this moment was. It seems Americans of all races are standing a little taller today. This will be one of the defining moments for our nation. We’ll all remember where we were when we heard the news.

Denver Obama Rally October 2008

The challenges are daunting and Obama must manage expectations. It would be an understatement to say there is not some fear out there for our new leader and his ability to tackle the messes that have been left for him. Can he unite a divided country? Can he make everyone feel like they are part of the solution? So much is riding on his Presidency and his optimistic “Yes We Can.” If we can organize to get him elected than we can step up and help him achieve the things he promised.

The whole world is hopeful. I received messages from friends in Australia and Canada. On Facebook, Zipporah, wondered how Air Force One would land in Kisumu in Kenya. We have sent an emphatic message to a world that was holding its collective breath along with us. Across the globe there were tears and celebrations and hope that somehow Barack Obama will be good for them too. History is being written in America and in the world. Time to savor the moment, dry our eyes and get to work.

For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com